nootka
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Good to see you and I think you're in excellent hands w/your seller/breeder as well as being here for other options.
I feed my weanlings very well. They RARELY get fat, IME, and my weanlings eat the following on average:
2-4 c. of a pelleted complete feed for weanlings/lactating mares (currently LMF Development), free choice orchard grass (as in, all they can eat) and are on pasture as well. I also make sure they have a salt only block as the complete feed that I use is supplemented w/minerals.
I worm my weanlings once a month and I use Zimectrin Gold at least once in that time frame. What I do is I worm horses when they leave my place as well as when I bring new ones in, so you might want to discuss w/your seller about this.
With complete feeds, it is important to read the tags and get good weights on your little ones. With weanlings it can change dramatically in a few months' time, but I would err on the side of a bit more for them. Once you know, you can feed by weight. Most feeds are formulated for a 1000 lb. horse but many are breaking it down into 100 lb. weights so you could feed one 100 lb. weanling the recommended amount per 100 lb. (be sure to read if it's a different indication for growing babies, but most times the development/baby formulas will already take that into account).
I use beet pulp on my foals' feed as well, mixed w/the complete feed to keep them hydrated and a little extra boost.
My resources for feeds and feeding includes this forum, my own research on the manufacturers' sites, as well as my veterinarian.
IMHO, the biggest defenses against colic are a good worming program, good feed, and a close to natural lifestyle (as in let them be horses first and foremost, i.e., plenty of turnout time, good fresh water and feed, and lots of exercise). I've only had two colics in 20 years of horse ownership, big and small, and I attribute that to not only luck but being attuned to a horse in their natural state as well, and observing closely.
Your feeding program may well change almost weekly as time goes on. Use your fingers in the woolly coats of Winter to feel if bones are becoming too prominent or being buried in deep fat. Either condition will require adjusting the feed. Many of us have been fooled by the thick undercoat and think we have a nice, plump horse, and come Spring, that same horse is a bit ribby looking. Foals are the same, though I noted Ginny said she'd clip for you. That will help a lot in seeing if the changes are agreeing w/them or perhaps too much or too little.
I think you've gotten more than enough great information from all to start with, and for sure Ginny will always be there to assist you w/questions re: care.
Then there's always us chatty types (though I would always run things by your veterinarian/nutritionist before making any drastic changes of any kind).
Liz M.
